But despite its faults, the terrain deformation and unique online twist is distinctive enough that it's worth playing, even if won't exactly alter the foundations of gaming forever. [Nov 2008, p.90]

While Streetwise's story progression is well thought out, the presentation and implementation of the game engine is sorely lacking.

The top screen is completely cosmetic and, in actuality, you'll more than likely have your eyes trained on the bottom screen the majority of the time.

It's already a fun, extremely well-written game, so those who enjoy strategy games shouldn't pass it up.

Unfortunately, the game's tilt control scheme never felt quite right, so take that into consideration before jumping in expecting pure Star Fox-esque bliss.

The wonderful level designs and slick character animations are hampered by draw-in, some slowdown, and poor collision detection.

For those with dedication and a love for repetitive gameplay, DW3 gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It will take weeks to unlock everything, and you can even get chunks of historical info.

Despite being on the more graphically capable Xbox, sadly the visuals are nearly identical to the PlayStation 2. Music remains gratingly repetitive, but the additions of Japanese voices do help to make the experience more bearable.

Despite its flaws, I was won over by its varied gameplay, conspiracy-heavy, character-driven story, and engaging mix of action, stealth, and role-playing elements. It doesn't match Mass Effect 2's Game of the Year-like quality, but it does make me want to assassinate, neck-snap, interrogate, hack, zip-line, and globe-trot my way to its other possible endings.

Unfortunately its new innovations and features aren’t worth the sticker price. The game’s hardly a lemon, but it can’t quite make it off the test drive rental lot.

Overall, Underworld is a decent enough effort. It has slick controls, interesting puzzles and a story that's actually pretty interesting. However, it never fully compensates for a lack of compelling action and overall polish.

It’s kinda clever, but once you get the basic formula its not very challenging.

While N+ is a polished game, I am fine leaving N as a nice Internet distraction, even if the controls aren't quite as tight as when you play these handheld versions.

RPG fans looking for a change of pace from "Baldur's Gate II" and who are willing to overlook a few flaws may want to give Wizards & Warriors a chance.

Despite my annoyances with the controls and hit detection, there's plenty to enjoy in Red Hot Rumble, particularly if you're a huge fan of the show or the game series. The deep roster of characters is impressive, as is each one's unique attacks and abilities.

If you want a golf game you can pick up and play at any moment on your 3DS, then the $6.99 price tag is no barrier, especially since Let's Golf 3D has a wealth of content totaling around 10 hours if you get into it. However, it is cheaper on other platforms ($4.99) that also include the online play that this game lacks.

Though not quite a substitute for the SNES version, DKC is still higher quality than 90 percent of the GBA's action lineup right now.

I didn't expect Guitar Hero Smash Hits to dramatically change what has become a tried-and-true formula, but I definitely anticipated a better value proposition than this.

KoF '99 retains all the fighting fun of the previous years, though the load times will wear at your patience and make you long for the Dreamcast version.

The so-so visual and sound package contributes to the middling quality of the game, too.

If the controls weren't so frustrating, the game play experience would have been a lot more enjoyable.

The idea behind the franchise has enough merit that it deserves a better effort and it's lamentable that they didn't realize that from the very beginning.

When it comes right down to it, Atelier Rorona just feels good to play. If you're craving a charming, character-driven game that doesn't involve a looming world-ending crisis and you can deal with a lot of repetition, you'll certainly want to give this game a go.

Although it may not match the majesty of the books, The Chronicles of Narnia is still a solid choice for a group of younger gamers.

Unfortunately, in order for a player to lay claim to Frantic Farming mastery, he'll need to perfect one specific technique. [Aug 2009, p.84]

I can't imagine playing it top to bottom, but as a discounted novelty to pop in every now and then, We Ski is a good time.

The 8-bit soundtrack is a great fit, and I love the fact that more background music can be unlocked by accumulating a high overall score.

I'm stunned by the fact that this game is enjoyable.

A good game with a few bugs. If you're a fan of the anime series then you'll probably fall instantly in love with Sidetracked.

If you're looking for a good General Manager mode or freewheeling gridiron action, you might want to give "GameDay 2001" a try-out.

Even though some things need to be tightened up, WWE '12 shows that the video game side of the franchise is still improving.

Overall, it is a challenging and entertaining escape that you'll keep coming back to. And if you manage to join the 35 other elite players who finished on hard, remember to tell me how it's done.

Cheap deaths, a bland story, and questionable boss balance hold Forever Kingdom back from being a completely satisfying experience.

A simple, arcadey grappler that’s likely to appeal more to enthusiasts of things that are insane than hardcore wrestling fanatics.

A step forward for fighting games? Not exactly. But it's certainly a tasty bit of comfort food for the fans.

Even though some things need to be tightened up, WWE '12 shows that the video game side of the franchise is still improving.

The targeting system is well executed, but the camerawork is not. In enclosed areas it can go ballistic, often pointing in a direction that obscures your enemies.

With crisp and simple graphics and ominous background music mixed with the groans of the undead, Stupid Zombies is a nice puzzle game to have on hand. My only problem was that tapping and dragging on the touch-screen often obscured the exact aim of my crosshair. Also, I found it to be a little tedious after a while, but the surprise of a particularly complex level was usually enough to keep my interest.

Despite a host of flaws, "Soulbringer" is an addictive game that patient gamers are sure to enjoy.

Gyromancer also takes a while to get the hang of thanks to a poorly explained tutorial, and the lack of multiplayer seriously hurts the game's replay value; still, gamers get quite a bit of bang for their buck (it's priced at 1200 MS Points, which is $15), and while it won't win any awards for originality, it's a slick and addictive puzzle experience that's sure to keep Bejeweled and Puzzle Quest fans playing late into the night.

It's almost like they came up with the jokes first, then hastily built a game framework around it. [Dec 2004, p.118]

Tactics probably would've been a better game if it had left out the half-baked RPG elements, and focused on more varied units and capabilities.

And you know what? It's still fun despite the terrible story and stupid enemy A.I. I respect a game that gives me so much to do, so many areas to explore, so many customization options, and so many quests. I had a lot of fun with Two Worlds II, and while the story annoys me in its second act, I do see myself giving it another go at a later date.

The four-player action makes this tennis game an absolute blast.

Its wanton weirdness is still as charming as it was on the Wii, and its nonsensical narrative is always enjoyable. So if you're anxious to rekindle your bloodlust in the most over-the-top manner available, Heroes' Paradise may be worth a look.

The continuous button mashing that infuses the famous yet most curious aerial acrobatics that those crazy DBZ fighters perform gives you pretty much everything you need to simulate the Saiyan art of combat.

The custom built 4A-engine does a terrific job of bringing this desolate and sad world to life, and the developers made an admirable attempt to build the gameplay around the narrative. But Metro 2033's strength lies in the ideas which underpin its action -- without them, it's just another gritty first-person shooter with some interesting tweaks built in -- and it's unfortunate that the rich source material didn't mesh with the actual gameplay to form a cohesive whole.

The scores of happy families, the gentle and caring characters you've grown up with your entire life, and the chance to virtually wander around a place that is so beloved can't help but make you smile.

Although HM: AWL has a mind-boggling array of options, it offers no relief from the monotony of the daily chores. In setting out to create the ultimate farming game, it seems Natsume has simulated the drudgery of farming in real life as well. [Apr 2004, p.99]

A unique hybrid of a platform game and logic puzzle that’s too unforgiving to be fun for too long.

EA Canada did a worthwhile job in making this year's version of MVP stand out, even if it serves up a great deal of redone material. [Feb 2006, p.84]

A great version of DDR, but in the end it is DDR - love it or hate it.

I love that players can play any of the 130 levels in the entire game right from the start, and I used that feature on a couple of occasions when a particular level had me stumped.

Overall, the strongest aspect of this game has to be its charismatic personality. [Apr 2009, p.83]

There's some good fun to be had in Destruction Derby Raw, just don't expect it to blow your tires off.

It’s hard to knock one of the best, most addictive strategy games ever made—but Civ II owners may wonder why they’re paying fifty bucks for what's essentially a decent facelift and a gameplay balance patch.

Awesome action makes up for several shortcomings including a spastic camera and random technical glitches. Web of Shadows delivers the best combat system of any Spider-Man game to date and intense boss battles to go with it. An imperfect effort, but an entertaining one nonetheless.

Gun does have its moments, but it never fully comes together and ends way too soon. [Jan 2006, p.82]

Great fun for a while, but gets repetitive pretty quickly.

The whole game comes across as the equivalent of a B-grade horror movie: exciting at times, ultimately unmemorable.

In the end, Deca Sports isn't a great title but it is a fun diversion that's sure to go over well with the casual Wii owner. [June 2008, p.85]

Even though so much is included, it all comes down to the gameplay. It's tough to fault the developers for staying true to the original, but in today's age, games have gotten more forgiven, something that Lode Runner seems to forget.

Gem saga does, however, boast some of the most impressive 2D sprite-art I've seen in a handheld RPG, but sadly suffers from poorly implemented, port-specific touch-screen controls.

The game really creates the feeling of being Spider-Man like no game before it, and for many Marvel fans, that will be more than enough... Yet many gamers will be dismayed by the finicky camera and formulaic gameplay.

There really should be a full ten decathlon events in the game; seven leaves you feeling hungry for more variety.

It feels sloppy and looks simple, but from time to time the brilliance of the game design shines through.

What the game lacks in the bells and whistles department, it makes up for in its insane depth.

The actual variety among the different events is rather low, a problem that stems in large part from the repetitive, button-bashing nature of most events.

Worth looking at for its high production values, but its gameplay lacks depth. If your favorite part of "Final Fantasy X" was seeking out rare items to upgrade your weapons, you will love this game. [Sept 2004, p.82]

The whole game comes across as the equivalent of a B-grade horror movie: exciting at times, ultimately unmemorable.

Savage Skies finds a way to creep up your spine...and proves that a little diversity goes a long way.

While regular Joes will miss nothing if they pass this up, the art galleries and new music are enough to make Origins worth it to hardcore FF fanatics.

Nba '07 is a pretty good action RPG and a decent basketball game. Unfortunately, the two don't quite add up to the outstanding effort necessary to be a contender in the sports genre. [Dec. 2006, p.128]

If you're a diehard, you'll relish playing through your favorite early battles in the epic story. Sagas is a competent first entry to the action genre, just not exemplary.

Phantom Brave is definitely a great game, but this low-effort regurgitation just doesn't impress like it should.

This is a great game for Razor enthusiasts that like simple (very simple) gameplay.

Though the Genesis played second fiddle to the Super Nintendo, it had some awesome titles and thankfully, there are enough of them on this disc to merit a look.

If you're in the mood for a brand new RPG that feels like a throwback to an early Final Fantasy game, developers SRRN have got your back.

It's a decent follow-up to the original and the variety of events will make for some good times, especially in a party setting. But the lack of improvement or innovation since the first game means that it will never be anything more than a simple title that's more a marketing tool than anything else.

Inexplicably Fun.

If you like character-based races, you will like this game. [July 2002, p.80]

For $60, wrestling game fans expect deep rosters and a variety of match types, while fighting fans hope for an assortment of modes with great replay value. Unfortunately, WWE All Stars isn't able to provide enough of either to propel the enjoyable combat to the top rung of championship-caliber fighting games.

I will admit, though, that Blitz II is entertaining in short bursts and that some of its features are interesting, even if the A.I. and shallow gameplay experience leaves something to be desired.

The Fun Factor directly corresponds to your level of Potter fandom: The joy of this game comes from experiencing Harry’s universe, not from the repetitive, trite gameplay.

The reason for buying Rise of Flight, you'll quickly see, is the graphics. Most notably, it's the planes.

Leaning on the selling power of its namesake, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2001 limps its way through a mediocre round of golf that's less fun than its proud PGA predecessors, and doesn't even dent the PS2's graphical capabilities. Worst of all, you must hit the ball with analog controls.

With plenty of frenetic crossfire, you’ll get more frustrated with the controls than with the Iraqis.

The mileage you get from the selection of women and their respective dances is dependent on your personal taste. If that's your main interest in the game, then you'll find plenty of incentives to keep playing. SRS is above average, but there's a lot of heavy competition out there.

Most fair-weather Pokemon fans will find the Story mode not interesting enough and the Colosseum mode a little too hardcore. [Apr 204, p.98]

Playing Downhill Jam is like watching an infomercial at three in the morning: it's sort of amusing and it passes the time but you're not enthralled by what's going on, either.

Heroes is easily the worst MOH game yet, and yes that includes the PlayStation versions that came out over half a decade ago.

While the graphics are rather plain, the sound is quite good. I never got tired of the main adventure theme, and the thunderclap of your magical dragon appendages displacing the air with their glowing energy is the perfect effect.

In the end, what you're left with is a familiar game that has less content, less unanimous appeal, easier difficulty, and probably the least amount of innovation offered from a Guitar Hero title yet.

Flock! packs a mean graphical punch, as the animals are adorable even when running for their lives. The sounds are cute for the game, even in the idea of abduction. But even with loads of replay value, something seems off, whether it's your general control over the game or ability to master it and feel like you conquered and defeated it. That's just not there. But maybe for you, it is -- only one way to find out.

NBA replay online content does have some interesting prospects, with the top five real-life NBA games from the past week set to be recreated in NBA 07 as part of an online multiplayer competition. Good hustle.

Despite the beautiful visuals and nuanced details, there's more tedium here than anything else. After a while, even die-hard RPG fans would be hard-pressed to enjoy the mindless sprints through the endless dungeons.

Pros: In a nutshell, it's Diet "God of War." Cons: The diet version is never as good as the non-diet version.

Harkening back to when simple games and concepts entertained us all, Battle B-Damam reinvents the classic marble games of yore with mixed results.